A pacemaker is a small device that is placed under the skin beneath the collarbone. Through wires (leads), the pacemaker monitors how fast the heart is beating. If the heart beats below the rate that it should be beating, the pacemaker can take over the role of stimulating the heartbeats for as long as is needed. During the procedure, you will receive medications to keep you comfortable and relaxed. Thin tubes (leads) are inserted through a large vein near your collarbone, and passed into the heart. The leads are connected to a pulse generator (pacemaker) which is implanted in a pouch under the skin below the collarbone. The pulse generator is about the size of a tea bag. It monitors the heart rate and takes over the role of stimulating the heartbeats when necessary.
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Find Locations
): Sully is a certified therapy dog who, with his handler Mike, visits patients and staff at RIH bringing comfort and moments of joy to those who need it most.
/stories/we-are-ih-sully-brings-joy-patients-staff-royal-inland
Inspired by her patients and colleagues and driven by a desire to make a difference in people’s lives, Kaitlyn finds daily meaning in her work in pharmacy.
/stories/we-are-ih-pharmacy-leader-grateful-make-difference
Learn about the precautions you can take to prevent tick bites and illnesses, and how to remove a tick on yourself, a family member or pet.
/stories/how-prevent-tick-bites-and-tick-borne-diseases
The KGH Pediatrics team welcomes Dr. Avi Kopstick, a pediatrician and pediatric critical care specialist who until recently was practising in the U.S.
/stories/pediatrician-dr-avi-kopstick-returns-canada-care-mind
Robotic-assisted surgery is allowing doctors perform complex surgeries with less downtime and pain for patients—much to the excitement of surgeons like Dr. Ho.
/stories/vinni-robot-helping-surgery-patients-heal-faster
For nearly three decades, Joanna Norman has walked alongside families during some of the most profound moments of their lives.
/stories/celebrating-passionate-midwife-international-womens-day
STAY CONNECTED
Receive news, alerts, public service announcements and articles right to your inbox.
